USC confirms the worst news for JuJu Watkins ahead of the 2025 NCAA Tournament

The USC Trojans‘ run in this edition of the NCAA Tournament has been unstoppable, and much of this is due to the talent displayed in every game by their star, JuJu Watkins. The worst news for Lindsay Gottlieb’s team came last night, in the game where they ultimately defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Around five minutes into the first quarter, the Trojans‘ star attempted to attack the rim when she was seen falling dangerously to the floor. What was feared to be a serious injury to her right knee was eventually confirmed by the program itself.

“JuJu Watkins sustained a season-ending injury in the NCAA Second Round on Monday night. She will undergo surgery and then begin rehabilitation shortly thereafter,” it was reported via @USCWBB.

According to insider Shams Charania, Watkins suffered a torn ACL, which will sideline her for the remainder of the season. After undergoing surgery, she will begin a lengthy recovery process.

JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans after an injury against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first half during the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Galen Center on March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

“Breaking: USC phenom JuJu Watkins has suffered a torn ACL in her right knee, sources tell ESPN. She will undergo surgery,” Charania reported via @ShamsCharania.

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When will Watkins return to the court?

The severe injury suffered by JuJu Watkins last night came as a cold shower for the USC Trojans program. The team’s biggest star ended up suffering the worst possible injury, one that will sideline her from the court for an extended period.

The question everyone is asking now is, when could Watkins return to the court? While it’s somewhat unpredictable to give a definitive answer, recovery typically takes between 6 and 9 months, assuming everything progresses normally.

As such, it’s estimated that the player could return either at the end of this year or at the start of 2026, depending, of course, on how her recovery progresses over the coming months.